Practicum Questions

[psychgirl77]

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I am going to be applying for my first practicum in the next few months and have a couple of questions. First, is completing a practicum at a site where you may eventually like to apply for internship at considered an advantage or a disadvantage? In other words, are internship directors more likely to take someone they already know through a practicum they have completed, or would they prefer to take someone new? I'm sure it varies, but am interested in people's responses. Second, has anyone completed a practicum at a site in a different city? Our school has agreements with practicum sites at other locations and I'm interested in moving to complete a full time summer practicum somewhere else. Are there any pros or cons to doing this? Thanks!

 

[JP West]

In response to your first question: I don't think it would hurt to make connections at a site where you may want to do your internship. As long as you mesh well interpersonally at the site, work hard, and demonstrate your ability to learn at a good pace it will probably work to your advantage when you apply for internship. It's also a great chance to see if you would want to actually intern there.

Second question: I did a full time summer externship in a city across the country from me that had no connections to my program. It was a great experience and networking opportunity. It was also a plus when I was interviewing for internships across the country. Since my program is located in a "desirable" metropolitan area, some internship programs straight out asked me if I would actually move to their far-away-small city. I was able to use my summer externship in a small western city to demonstrate that I would indeed move. I also scored my 1st choice internship in the same city where I did the externship, different site.

 

[KillerDiller]

The VA where I did my externship this past year said they like to make sure each intern class has some "in house" people in it as well as some outside interns. This way they get diversity of experiences and also have in house students who can explain the nuances of the system to newcomers. Considering the numbers going into the application process, I would say you get an advantage from working there as a practicum student and then applying for internship.

That is just one example, though. I'm sure other places prefer not to take their own students.

 

[dragonstyle]

Before taking a practicum at a site, make sure that they don't have a policy against taking people as interns who were there as prac students. I know of at least one college counseling center that does that. Their focus is on developing new skills in individuals, so they believe that there is less for you to develop if you have already been there for a year.

 

[TenaciousGirl]

I am going to be applying for my first practicum in the next few months and have a couple of questions. First, is completing a practicum at a site where you may eventually like to apply for internship at considered an advantage or a disadvantage? In other words, are internship directors more likely to take someone they already know through a practicum they have completed, or would they prefer to take someone new? I'm sure it varies, but am interested in people's responses. Second, has anyone completed a practicum at a site in a different city? Our school has agreements with practicum sites at other locations and I'm interested in moving to complete a full time summer practicum somewhere else. Are there any pros or cons to doing this? Thanks!

the above poster makes a good point.

The practicum I am currently at is also an APA accred internship site. They flat out told me that if I like it here I should look into applying for internship when the time comes. I think when it comes to former practicum site's taking you on for internship it depends on a) can they even do it or is against a rule they have and b) did you impress them enough to make them want you back.

My school does have practicum sites in other cities but i haven't heard of anyone moving to the city for the practicum. I was originally placed at a practicum site an hour away ... I turned it down. My car is already at 100k miles and I just couldn't afford the extra gas.

 

[dragonstyle]

My program is in Indiana, and we have practicum sites in Ohio (Cincinnati, specifically). Some people arrange it so they only have to come to campus 1 day a week and can stay closer to their prac site the rest of the week. I think it comes down to if the site is one you really want, you will make it work.

 

[psychgirl77]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful answers!